Classroom Observations
From time to time, we receive requests from university programs or childcare researchers to observe our classrooms. For any such activity that involves documentation or release of specific child information, we won’t say “yes” without first obtaining permission from the parents and guardians of the children in the involved classrooms.
Family Engagement Survey
Every year, we gather information through our Family Engagement Survey. These surveys are conducted by Heritage Early Learning Center or a certified outside agency under contract with us, and may be done by phone, mail, or email. Your participation is voluntary but appreciated!
Consistency and Combining Age Groups
Consistency helps kids feel secure and ready to learn. Building long-term relationships with teachers and classmates is an important part of that, which is why our centers and curriculum are structured by age group. We do our best to maintain this structure, but sometimes we may need to combine age groups. The most common reasons are staff being out sick, or the beginning or end of the day when there are fewer children in the center.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Our center complies with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Per ADA.gov, the ADA requires that childcare providers not discriminate against persons with disabilities on the basis of disability—that is, they must provide children and parents with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in the childcare center’s programs and services. Specifically:
Centers cannot exclude children with disabilities from their programs unless their presence would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others or require a fundamental alteration of the program.
Centers must make reasonable modifications to their policies and practices to integrate children, parents, and guardians with disabilities into their programs unless doing so would constitute a fundamental alteration.
Centers must provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services needed for effective communication with children or adults with disabilities, when doing so would not constitute an undue burden.
Centers must generally make their facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.
Existing facilities are subject to the readily achievable standard for barrier removal, while newly constructed facilities and any altered portions of existing facilities must be fully accessible.
Centers must administer medication and medical care to children with disabilities based on the specifications of the child’s doctors and parent requirements.
We will partner with local initiatives to aid us in training and preparation, within our capacity to assist all children with disabilities.
Satisfaction and Conflict Resolution
Experience has taught us that open communication is the key to maintaining a positive relationship. We continually look to your input on how we can improve our programs. We want to be sure we are meeting the needs of your child and that you are confident in the care and education we give them. Please share your ideas, suggestions, or concerns with a team member or Administration.
Team members will make every effort to be available to discuss topics regarding your child or classroom schedules and activities. If you have concerns that cannot be resolved or answered by a team member, please speak with your Center Administrator. If your Center Administrator can’t resolve your concerns to your satisfaction, contact your center’s on-site Administrator or management team. Their contact information is available at the center and in Contact Information.
Refer a Friend
The biggest compliment you can give us is telling family and friends about Heritage! When family and friends enroll, it is even more fun for your child, and it helps build the sense of community in our center. Ask your Center Administrator about our Refer-A-Friend Program.
